The 5 Dimensions of an Internal Security Breach

Shielding against an internal security breach proves to be the ultimate challenge in preventing data loss. While digital safeguards can be implemented to thwart external intrusions, curbing the inadvertent sharing of confidential information among employees poses a distinct challenge. To fortify defenses, businesses must delve deeper into the intricacies of this looming threat.

1. Who poses an internal threat? The prime culprits behind internal security breaches often emerge from technical roles within the organization. Scientists, engineers, salespeople, and computer programmers, armed with access to sensitive company information, become inadvertent threats due to their understanding of the value associated with specific data.

2. What information is leaked? Contrary to the high-profile leaks of government documents in the media, the bulk of stolen intellectual property involves private-sector trade secrets. The realm of industrial and corporate espionage casts a shadow over internal security, with pilfered trade secrets becoming the primary currency of such breaches.

3. Where does information go? The destination for pilfered information in internal security breaches predominantly points to competitors. Existing market players and emerging start-ups leverage these trade secrets to secure a competitive edge in the marketplace.

4. When do employees steal information? The motivation behind employees filching confidential company data often stems from personal gain. While a few may act as informants for competitors, the majority involves departing employees seeking to capitalize on the data they can access. Whether researchers aiming to build on their previous work or salespeople intent on retaining their clientele, two-thirds of internal breaches occur when an employee decides to leave the company.

5. Why is information stolen? The driving force behind pilfering company data lies in the hope of personal gain. Examples abound, showcasing how individuals seek to benefit from their actions, whether it be researchers building on existing work or salespeople safeguarding their client relationships.

So, how do employees steal information? Contrary to the common belief that firewalls and passwords suffice as shields, internal security breaches predominantly occur through individuals granted legitimate access. Technical proficiency is not a prerequisite, as those involved typically work in research and development or customer-facing roles, not necessarily within the IT domain. Simple techniques such as email attachments, remote access, and basic file transfers are the go-to methods for data theft. Unsurprisingly, coworkers and managers outside the IT realm often discover these breaches, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding beyond conventional online protection. Guarding against an internal security breach necessitates unraveling the who, what, where, when, why, and how, transcending standard IT solutions.